Meal Planning

Meal planning can be a daunting task for anyone. How many times have you gone to the fridge, opened it up, looked at your food options and wondered, “What am I going to make for dinner?” If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Planning out a meal doesn’t have to be difficult. Start thinking of meals as individual categories rather than a complete picture. In other words, break down the complexity of meal planning into proteins, starches/carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and desserts.

When I look in the fridge, I look to first find a protein (such as beef, chicken, fish, beans, or tofu). After I find a protein for dinner I then look for a starch to go with it (potatoes, rice, bread, or pasta). Once the protein and starches/carbohydrates are selected, I then look for a vegetable (carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, or salad). By breaking a meal down into individual components, the daunting task of trying to figure out what’s for dinner becomes attainable and easy.